Sen. Cindy Creem: Newton voters should support override

I’m writing to urge Newton residents to cast three yes votes in the special override election March 12.

I’m writing to urge Newton residents to cast three yes votes in the special override election March 12.

Over the past few years, along with other members of Newton’s state legislative delegation, I’ve worked hard to ensure that our city receives its fair share of local aid. In difficult financial times, we defended our city from state cutbacks that have decimated budgets in other communities. And locally, Mayor Warren and our Newton leadership have navigated these difficult economic times well. We know that Newton continues to be among the state’s most desirable communities for young professionals to settle and raise families. Now our school system must address significant enrollment growth and worn facilities, before we face class sizes far too large to provide the educational quality we justifiably take such pride in.

For Newton to remain one of the best places to live in Massachusetts, I strongly endorse Mayor Warren’s three-part override package.

Surely public school parents understand the importance of this vote. As the grandmother of two children attending elementary school here, following in the footsteps of my two children who graduated Newton Public Schools, I know that grandparents and empty nesters understand the importance of this vote as well. Our schools need more teachers and modern classrooms. The overcrowded and deteriorating Angier and Cabot schools, both approaching 100 years old, as well as the inadequate Zervas school, all need replacing.

Additionally, override funding will repave many of our crumbling streets and sidewalks, and lead to hiring additional police officers to control increasing traffic issues. And, emergency response time will be improved by rebuilding the decaying Newton Centre fire station.

This is a necessary, no-frills package securing Newton’s place among the best communities to live in Massachusetts. Please join me in voting yes three times.